Summer Stress-Fix

How to deal with marital stressors
By Hannah Comeaux, M.A., LPC, PLMFT

Stress! We all process it differently. There are many personal and professional stressors in everyday life, but, marriage has its own unique set of challenges. Many external factors can affect our relationships, and it is those closest to us that seem to suffer the consequences when those factors heighten anxiety. Here are a few triggers that can wreak havoc in even the best of marriages.

Work Stress: High expectations or demands on the job can carry over after office hours. Keep work life and home life separate. Leave it there. Limit the amount of time you think about and discuss it.

Money: Financial debt or differences in ways of handling money are major stressors for most couples. It’s critical that you periodically communicate about how and when you spend. Have a plan of action that accomplishes common goals and create a budget that you both can live with.

Parenting: Agree on common rules and boundaries before a problem arises. Share responsibilities and keep a united front by consulting with one another about decisions. Kids learn quickly how to pit parents against each other to get what they want.

Lifestyle Changes: Changing jobs, moving, remodeling, disasters, sickness, birth, death or someone leaving home are just a few issues that can cause major stress. Lean on external social supports and remind yourself that you’re not alone in this, you have each other.